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When many people think of summer vacations, they automatically think of beaches and hot weather. However, there are plenty of cool-weather summer vacation destinations in the USA that are worth exploring! In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best things to do in these destinations. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities or cultural experiences, we have you covered!
Here are some other options for vacations in the USA:
- 31 Best Summer Travel Destinations In The USA
- Best Beach Hikes in California
- 9 Best Spring Break Destinations For College Students On A Budget
- The Best Fall Travel Destinations In The USA
- 17 Warm Winter Vacations In The USA – Ordered By Warmth
Olympic National Park, Washington
Average August temperature: 62° / 44°
Rain: 3 days
The Olympic National Park is a great destination for those who want to enjoy the outdoors. There are plenty of hiking trails and opportunities for camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. In addition, the park is home to some beautiful waterfalls and glaciers.
Top sights in the Olympic National Park include:
- Hurricane Ridge
- Ruby Beach
- Marymere Falls
The park is located in the state of Washington, which is also home to other cool-weather destinations such as Seattle and Spokane.
The best time to visit the Olympic National Park is during the summer when the weather is milder and the wildlife is more active. However, be prepared for some rain.
Seward, Alaska
Average August temperature: 62° / 50°
Rain: 12 days
Seward is a small town in Alaska that is surrounded by natural beauty. Visitors can go whale watching, glacier trekking, or kayaking. Seward is also home to the Alaska SeaLife Center, where you can learn about the local marine life.
Seward is located about three hours south of Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city.
The best time to visit Seward is during the summer when the weather is mild and there are plenty of activities to enjoy. However, be prepared for some rain.
Banff National Park, Alberta
Average August temperature: 63° / 33°
Rain: 8 days
Banff National Park is a beautiful destination that is perfect for those who love the outdoors. There are plenty of hiking trails, lakes, and mountains to explore. In addition, Banff National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, elk, and bighorn sheep.
Top sights in the Banff National Park include:
- Moraine Lake
- Mount Norquay
- Peyto Lake
Banff National Park is located in the province of Alberta, which is also home to other cool-weather destinations such as Calgary and Jasper National Park.
The best time to visit Banff National Park is during the summer when the weather is mild and all of the hiking trails are open.
Stowe, Vermont
Average August temperature: 64° / 51°
Rain: 13 days
Stowe is a town in Vermont that is known for its beautiful mountain scenery. Visitors can go hiking, biking, or skiing in the summer months. In addition, Stowe is home to a variety of shops and restaurants.
Stowe is located about two hours north of Boston, Massachusetts.
The best time to visit Stowe is during the summer when the weather is mild and there are plenty of activities to enjoy. However, be prepared for some rain.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Average August temperature: 66° / 44°
Rain: 9 days
Rocky Mountain National Park is a beautiful park that is located in the state of Colorado. Visitors can go hiking, fishing, and camping in the park. In addition, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and bears.
Top sights in the Rocky Mountain National Park include:
- Longs Peak
- Trail Ridge Road
- Bear Lake
Rocky Mountain National Park is located about an hour and a half north of Denver, Colorado’s largest city.
The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is at the beginning of summer when the weather is mild and the mosquitoes are not as bad. However, be prepared for some rain.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Average August temperature: 67° / 46°
Rain: 10 days
Fairbanks is a city in Alaska that is located near the Arctic Circle. Visitors can go fishing, hiking, and river boating in the summer months. In addition, Fairbanks is home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Museum of the North.
The best time to visit Fairbanks is during the summer when the weather is mild and there are plenty of activities to enjoy. However, be prepared for some rain.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Average August temperature: 67° / 53°
Rain: 4 days
Cannon Beach is a town on the Oregon Coast that is best known for its beautiful beach. Visitors can go hiking, whale watching, and storm watching in the summer months. Cannon Beach is also home to a variety of shops and restaurants.
Cannon Beach is located about three hours south of Portland, Oregon’s largest city.
The best time to visit Cannon Beach is during the summer when the weather is mild and there are plenty of activities to enjoy.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Average August temperature: 71° / 33°
Rain: 6 days
Yellowstone National Park is a beautiful park that is located in the state of Wyoming. Visitors can go hiking, fishing, and camping in the park. In addition, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and bears.
Top sights in the Yellowstone National Park include:
- Grand Prismatic Spring
- Old Faithful geyser
- Mammoth Hot Springs
Yellowstone National Park is located about an hour and a half north of Jackson, Wyoming’s largest city.
The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park is at the end of the summer when the season is ending and there are fewer crowds.
Seattle, Washington
Average August temperature: 74° / 56°
Rain: 4 days
Seattle is a city in Washington that is best known for its beautiful scenery. Visitors can go hiking, biking, and kayaking in the summer months. In addition, Seattle is home to a variety of shops and restaurants.
The best things to do or see in Seattle are:
- Space Needle
- Pike Place Market
- Washington Park
The best time to visit Seattle is during the summer when the weather is mild and there are plenty of activities to enjoy.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Average August temperature: 75° / 42°
Rain: 4 days
Glacier National Park is a beautiful park that is located in the state of Montana. Visitors can go hiking, fishing, and camping in the park. In addition, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and bears.
Top sights in the Glacier National Park include:
- Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Lake McDonald
- Logan Pass
Glacier National Park is located about two hours north of Missoula, Montana’s largest city.
The best time to visit Glacier National Park is at the end of the summer when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Average August temperature: 75° / 55°
Rain: 6 days
Acadia National Park is located in the state of Maine. Visitors can go hiking, biking, and kayaking in the park. In addition, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, deer, and bears.
Top sights in the Acadia National Park include:
- Cadillac Mountain
- Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
- Beehive Trail
Acadia National Park is located about two hours east of Portland, Maine’s largest city.
The best time to visit Acadia National Park is at the beginning of the summer when the weather is cooler and more pleasant for hiking.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Average August temperature: 76° / 39°
Rain: 6 days
Grand Teton National Park is a mountainous park that is located in the state of Wyoming. It’s also great if you’re looking for cold places to visit in summer in USA. Visitors can go hiking, fishing, and camping in the park. In addition, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and bears.
Top sights in the Grand Teton National Park include:
- Mt. Moran
- Jackson Lake
- The Snake River
Grand Teton National Park is located about two and a half hours south of Jackson, Wyoming’s largest city.
The best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is at the beginning or end of the summer when the weather is cooler and there are fewer crowds.
Aspen, Colorado
Average August temperature: 76° / 47°
Rain: 8 days
Aspen is a city in Colorado that is best known for its ski resorts. However, the city also has a variety of shops and restaurants. In addition, visitors can go hiking and biking in the summer months.
The best things to do or see in Aspen are:
- Maroon Bells
- Aspen Mountain
- Snowmass Village
The best time to visit Aspen is during the summer when the weather is mild and there are plenty of activities to enjoy.
Sun Valley, Idaho
Average August temperature: 79° / 42°
Rain: 2 days
Sun Valley is a city in Idaho that is best known for its ski resorts. However, the city also has a variety of shops and restaurants. In addition, visitors can go fishing and hiking in the summer months.
The best things to do or see in Sun Valley are:
- Ketchum
- Trail Creek
- Sawtooth National Forest
The best time to visit Sun Valley is during the summer when the weather is mild and there are plenty of activities to enjoy.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Average August temperature: 79° / 65°
Rain: 10 days
Milwaukee is a city with a rich history and a lot to offer visitors. From its famous breweries and delicious cheeses to its beautiful lakefront and impressive architecture, there’s something for everyone in Milwaukee. The city is also home to the iconic American brand Harley-Davidson.
The best things to do or see in Milwaukee are:
- Milwaukee Art Museum
- Harley-Davidson Museum
- Mitchell Park Domes
The best time to visit Milwaukee is during the summer when you can take a charter fishing trip. It can be an excellent way to relax and unwind while taking in the beauty of nature and enjoying a much-needed break from the chaotic hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you need help with a charter fishing trip, you can check online to find the perfect trip for your needs.
Lake Tahoe, California, and Nevada
Average August temperature: 79° / 50°
Rain: 1 day
Lake Tahoe is a large lake that is located in the states of California and Nevada. Visitors can go swimming, boating, and fishing in the lake. In addition, there are a variety of hiking and biking trails in the area.
The best things to do or see in Lake Tahoe are:
- Emerald Bay
- Sand Harbor
- Woods Lake
The best time to visit Lake Tahoe is during the summer when it’s possible to go swimming and fully enjoy and water sports that are available.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Average August temperature: 79° / 50°
Rain: 1 day
The Columbia River Gorge is a scenic area that is located in the state of Oregon. Visitors can go hiking and biking in the area. In addition, the area is home to a variety of waterfalls.
The best things to do or see in Columbia River Gorge are:
- Multnomah Falls
- Horsetail Falls
The best time to visit Columbia River Gorge is during the summer when the weather is mild and you can ride a bike to your chosen destination thus slowly enjoying the surrounding nature.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Average August temperature: 79° / 63°
Rain: 7 days
Milwaukee is a city in Wisconsin that is best known for its breweries. However, the city also has a variety of shops and restaurants. In addition, visitors can go to the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Milwaukee County Zoo.
The best things to do or see in Milwaukee are:
- Lake Michigan
- The Milwaukee Art Museum
- The Harley-Davidson Museum
Milwaukee is located about an hour and a half north of Chicago.
The best time to visit Milwaukee is during the summer when the weather is warm and there are plenty of activities to enjoy.
Portland, Maine
Average August temperature: 80° / 58°
Rain: 2 days
Portland is a city in Maine that is best known for its seafood. However, the city also has a variety of shops and restaurants. In addition, visitors can go to the Portland Head Light and the Victoria Mansion.
The best things to do or see in Portland are:
- The Old Port
- The Portland Head Light
- Victoria Mansion
The best time to visit Portland is during the summer when you can stroll through the city and enjoy its beauty.
The USA is a great place to visit during the summer months, especially if you’re looking for cool-weather destinations. The cities of Aspen, Sun Valley, Lake Tahoe, and Milwaukee are all known for their scenic beauty and a wide variety of activities that can be enjoyed during the summer. If you’re looking for a fun-filled vacation, the listed cool-weather vacations in the USA are definitely worth considering.
What’s the hottest state in the US?
The hottest state in the US is typically Florida. The state experiences high temperatures, and the average temperature in summer is 82.6 °F. However, it’s important to note that the specific temperature can vary depending on the year and specific location in the state factors.
If you’re planning to visit Florida in Summer, make sure to stay hydrated and take precautions against the heat.
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